The Devil Is a Lie

"The Devil Is a Lie" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross, featuring Jay-Z. It was released as the lead single from his sixth studio album, Mastermind on December 19, 2013.[3][4] The song was produced by Major Seven and K.E. on the Track.

"The Devil Is a Lie"
Single by Rick Ross featuring Jay-Z
from the album Mastermind
Released	December 19, 2013
Recorded	2013
Genre	Hip hop
Length	5:12
Label	Maybach Music Group Slip-n-Slide Records Def Jam Recordings
Songwriter(s)	William Roberts LeShawn Rogers Willie McNeal Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
Producer(s)	Major Seven K.E. on the Track[1][2]
Rick Ross singles chronology
"No Games" (2013) "The Devil Is a Lie" (2013) "Thug Cry" (2014)
Jay-Z singles chronology
"Drunk in Love" (2013) "The Devil Is a Lie" (2013) "Part II (On the Run)" (2014)

Background

On October 23, 2013, Rick Ross announced that the album's second single, which will feature Jay-Z, will be released in early November 2013.[3] The following day, Ross revealed that the song is titled "The Devil Is A Lie". He explained that song saying, "We're pushing the envelope once again and it's just one of those records I can't wait to hit the streets. We went in another direction but it's just one of those records that's gonna speak for itself and everybody's gonna have their opinion of it, but it's most definitely what the streets need."[3] On December 19, 2013, the song was released for digital download.[4] It was sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States on January 21, 2014.[5] Dan Rys of XXL called the instrumental "the most massive beat we've heard this year". The video for "The Devil Is A Lie" was released on March 20, 2014, and does not include Jay-Z's verse.[6]

Track listing

Digital single

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"The Devil Is A Lie" (featuring Jay-Z)	William Roberts, LeShawn Rogers, Willie McNeal, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter	Major Seven, K.E. on the Track	5:12

Chart performance

Chart (2014)	Peak position
scope="row"	UK R&B (Official Charts Company)[7]	27
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[8]	143
scope="row"	US Billboard Hot 100[9]	86
scope="row"	US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[10]	26
scope="row"	US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[11]	16

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[12]	Gold	500,000^*
^^shipments figures based on certification alone

Release history

Country	Date	Format	Label	Ref.
United States	December 19, 2013	Digital download	Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records, Def Jam Recordings	[4]
	January 13, 2014	Mainstream urban radio		[13]
	January 21, 2014	Urban contemporary radio		[14]

References

1. "K.E. On The Track Stole Devil Is A Lie Beat". Complex. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
2. "Producer Major Seven Clears Up "The Devil Is A Lie" Controversy With K.E. On The Track – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-12-21. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
3. "Rick Ross' Next Single Will Feature Jay Z – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
4. "iTunes – Music – The Devil Is a Lie (feat. JAY Z) – Single by Rick Ross". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
5. "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
6. "Rick Ross Drops Fiery New Video For "The Devil Is A Lie"". XXL. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
7. "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
8. Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart: CLUK Update 15.03.2014 (wk10)". Zobbel.de. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
9. "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
10. "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
11. "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
12. "American single certifications – Rick Ross – The Devil Is a Lie". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
13. "Frequency News". Frequency News. 2014-01-13. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
14. "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 2014-02-08.